The recent Conservative Political Action Conference was not just about raising visibility for the right, but about making some money for its sponsor, the American Conservative Union.

The conference listed 90 cosponsors, comprised almost exclusively of ideological groups, media, think tanks, foundations, and consultants or vendors -- many of whom who were also exhibitors. (Indeed, former Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee, who skipped the confab, griped to Fox News that it was a "pay to play" event, with cash contributors setting the agenda.)

But at least two sponsors were less interested in defining conservatism than lobbying for their own self-interest. The American Petroleum Institute and The Poker Players Alliance ponied up to take advantage of  access to the conservative radio talk show hosts and bloggers that set up shop at the convention. API sent economist John Felmy to talk up how policies encouraging the industry could "generate revenue, employment and reduced trade deficit;" the the Poker Players Alliance, sent Greg "FossilMan" Raymer the 2004 World Series of Poker champion, to sign autographs and gin up support for legalizing Internet poker. The group also got to post its talking points on a conference website.